A haunted road to Hecker Pass in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California
Usa, north-america
28.48 km
408 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because we're heading to Hecker Pass! You'll find this beauty nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, straddling Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties in sunny California.
This isn't just any drive, it's a 17.7-mile (28.48km) stretch of fully paved road – Hecker Pass Road, aka the western part of CA-152. Winding from Watsonville on the west side to Gilroy on the east, you'll climb to a modest 1,338 feet (408 meters). Keep an eye out for wildlife, and maybe an eye on your rearview mirror too…
This road has a history that stretches back to 1928, and some say it comes with a ghostly hitchhiker! Local lore whispers of a woman in a white dress who haunts the pass. Are you brave enough to drive it at night?
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 28.48 km
- Max Elevation
- 408 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Chilkat Pass?
🇨🇦 Canada
Alright adventure seekers, let's talk about Chilkat Pass! Nestled high in the coastal mountains of British Columbia, Canada, near the border, this beauty sits at a cool 3,480 feet above sea level. You can even find a small parking lot at the top to soak it all in. So, why "Chilkat"? Well, it's named after the Chilkat indigenous people. The road itself? It's a solid, paved highway, making it a pretty smooth ride as you wind through the landscape. We're talking about the Haines Highway, folks! The stretch through the pass is about 37 miles long, running from the border up towards Haines Junction. Good news: this highway is maintained year-round! However, be warned, if you're planning a trip between September 15th and June 1st, be sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts. Mother Nature can be unpredictable in these parts! Get ready for some breathtaking scenery as you cruise through this iconic Canadian pass.
moderateIs the road to Carroll Summit paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip lovers, let's talk Carroll Summit! This bad boy sits way up high at 7,470 feet in the Nevada mountains, right on the border between Lander and Churchill counties. And the best part? The whole route is paved - we're talking smooth sailing on Nevada State Route 722/State Highway 2. This classic road trip was completed way back in 1925 and follows a former section of US 50 and the Lincoln Highway. Don't expect a fancy summit sign though; just a simple county line marker. Get ready for a 58.2-mile cruise from Eastgate to Austin. The road snakes through the Desatoya Mountains, so prepare for stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled near the top for the historic Carroll Summit Station. Back in the day, this roadside stop was a lifesaver for drivers needing to cool down their cars - a true testament to how far we've come.
extremeShelf Road in Colorado: If you don't like steep drop-offs, don't take the road
🇺🇸 Usa
Shelf Road: Buckle up for a wild ride through Fremont and Teller counties in Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's an adventure meant for the brave at heart (and those who trust their driver implicitly!). Got a thing for steep drops? Maybe skip this one. Some spots are so narrow, two cars can't squeeze by. This 13.3-mile dirt track snakes from Cañon City, climbing from 6,240 feet to a whopping 9,393 feet near Cripple Creek. That's a climb of over 3,000 feet, with an average gradient of almost 4%! Part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, it's a stunner, but not for the faint of heart. Most vehicles can handle it, but if it's wet or snowy, you might want something with all-wheel drive. The views are incredible, but the road? Let's just say it keeps you on your toes. Think one-lane dirt road clinging to a cliff face with blind corners. You'll be close enough to high-five the driver in the oncoming car. The scariest part is the first few miles heading north from Canon City. That's where it's the steepest and narrowest. Passengers on the cliff side might want to close their eyes! Some say it's better to travel south, so the driver gets the view of the abyss. Word to the wise: keep an eye out for gold mine employees commuting at breakneck speeds. They know this road like the back of their hand and aren't afraid to show it! Built way back in 1892 as a toll road, Shelf Road was originally a stagecoach route to Cripple Creek. It gets its name from being carved right into the canyon wall, sometimes hundreds of feet up. The scenery is spectacular, with hairpin turns galore and limestone cliffs that'll leave you breathless. But remember, driver, eyes on the road! Let your passengers enjoy the views while you focus on not plunging into the canyon. Oh, and there's even a local legend about a high-speed chase up Shelf Road involving an armed fugitive. Imagine that wild ride! So, are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Shelf Road awaits! Just remember to check conditions before you go and maybe say a little prayer.
extremeHow long is the Black Bear Pass road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Black Bear Pass, nestled high in Colorado's San Miguel County, is a wild ride you won't soon forget! This unpaved beast of a road climbs to a whopping 12,844 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest. Clocking in at 11.1 miles, Black Bear Road (Forest Service Road 648) carves its way from the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) to the charming old mining town of Telluride. The road can start on US 550 and will take you to Telluride. The views are absolutely insane, with two stunning waterfalls, vistas of the San Juans, and a bird's-eye view of Telluride itself. But don't let the scenery fool you - this road is not for the faint of heart! Picture this: narrow dirt track, ridiculously steep sections, and enough exposure to make your palms sweat. You'll need a high-clearance, short-wheelbase, 4-wheel-drive vehicle to even attempt this, and even then, it's best left to experienced drivers. Keep an eye out for those pesky rock slides! The road starts as two-way, but quickly becomes a nail-biting one-way descent. Speaking of descents, brace yourself for the infamous switchbacks above Bridal Veil Falls, the highest waterfall in Colorado. Open only from late summer to early fall (snow permitting), Black Bear Pass demands respect. And because this drive is so intense, it's extra important to be sober and alert behind the wheel. Check the forecast, buckle up, and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure!